Pluton sailed with mines for a defensive field, but the order was withdrawn after the mines had been fused. The ship was nevertheless told to unload them instead of laying or safely neutralising the dangerous cargo. During the landing operation on 13 September 1939, an explosion destroyed Pluton and killed 186 people aboard. Another 73 crewmen and 47 others were injured. Flying debris also sank three trawlers and damaged several auxiliary minesweepers. Mine handling and command decisions caused the loss, while the minelayer's basic design remained sound.
Chapter · 32:48-34:17
The Casablanca mine explosion
A rescinded minelaying order left fused mines to be landed at Casablanca, where an explosion destroyed Pluton and damaged nearby craft.